Credit Saison : New “Saison Rent Guarantee” Sales Plan for Foreign Nationals Support for Finding Accommodation before Arriving in Japan, through to Opening a Bank Account after Arrival

December 6, 2023

New "Saison Rent Guarantee" Sales Plan for Foreign Nationals

Support for Finding Accommodation before Arriving in Japan, through to

Opening a Bank Account after Arrival

On Tuesday December 5, 2023, Credit Saison Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; Representative, Executive President and COO: Katsumi Mizuno; hereinafter, "Credit Saison") began offering the "Saison Rent Guarantee Sales Plan for Foreign Nationals" (hereinafter, "the Service"). This is Credit Saison's first service exclusively for foreign nationals. It aims to meet the needs of foreign nationals living in Japan (hereinafter "foreign nationals"), such as foreign students and workers, numbers of whom are expected to increase in the future.

In addition, as part of the capital and business alliance with SURUGA bank, Ltd. (Head Office: Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture; President: Hiroaki Kato; hereinafter, "SURUGA bank") announced on May 18, 2023, Credit Saison will support foreign nationals' everyday lives by introducing SURUGA bank's ordinary deposit accounts to customers signing up to the Service.

■ Background to Development of the Service

Japan's working-age population is expected to decline in the future, and the environment surrounding foreign nationals is on the point of undergoing major change. This will include efforts to promote the acceptance of foreign students, as well as revisions to the residency status system, with the aims of actively welcoming overseas human resources for sustainable growth and strengthening Japan's domestic industrial competitiveness.

However, when people move into rental housing as a base for their lives in Japan, they often face language barriers, cultural differences, problems with guarantors, and problems with opening bank accounts to pay their rent. This can make it difficult for them to find housing.

In view of this situation, Credit Saison will offer the Service to foreign nationals by utilizing the know-how we have cultivated through "Saison Rent Guarantee" and by collaborating with SURUGA bank, which is working towards financial inclusion.

■ Characteristics of the Saison Rent Guarantee Sales Plan for Foreign Nationals

・Support in the customer's native language

The multilingual center, which offers support in Chinese and Vietnamese, handles applications, contracts, and other housing-related inquiries. *There are plans to expand the number of supported languages.

・The same guarantee service offered to Japanese customers

Regarding guarantee coverage and limits, we offer the same extensive guarantee that is offered under the standard Saison Rent Guarantee service.

・Applications can be made before coming to Japan

Customers can apply for the Service even before they come to Japan if the rental property is handled by a real estate business that Credit Saison partners.

■ Cooperation with SURUGA bank

Foreign nationals who wish to open an account for debiting rent guarantee fees are introduced to the bank account for foreign customers provided by SURUGA bank.

The bank account for foreign customers is an ordinary deposit account for foreign nationals who have been unable to open a bank account due to their status of residence. It can be used to transfer salaries and pay utility bills, and applications are accepted by smartphone.

As part of its efforts to transform itself into a comprehensive lifestyle services group, as set out under its medium-term management vision, Credit Saison will continue to expand support services for foreign nationals facing various problems to help them feel safe and lead prosperous lives in Japan.